Video of mother doing child's project sparks debate
Hyderabad: In a video that has garnered widespread attention, a mother is seen meticulously working on her child's school project with detailed charts and crafts while her children are seen playing in the background.
The now-viral video has sparked a significant debate among parents, leading to a collective call for teachers to assign homework and projects that are more suitable for children's ages and capabilities.
Anitha Nayini, a mother of 12 and 8-year-olds, feels the pressure of having to complete their children's school assignments. "We understand the importance of homework, but it should be something our children can handle independently. My 3rd grader cannot draw a solar system, he's just beginning to remember the names, but he was asked to make a model of it for an upcoming science exhibition. Even if I'm a homemaker, I cannot sit down to take on such time-consuming projects of only one child each day and I do not plan to outsource it to a tuition teacher as such a tender age either," she told Deccan Chronicle.
"The video resonated with many of us parents who shared it in a WhatsApp group because it's a common scenario. We often find ourselves doing the bulk of the work," another parent Parvathee K, added.
Teachers, on the other hand, argue that parental involvement is crucial in early education. "Homework is not just about the task itself, it's also about fostering a learning environment at home - learning shouldn't stop at 3 pm at school," explained Mahitha Reddy, a primary school teacher.
"Parents need to guide their children, but I agree that tasks should be manageable for the students themselves," said a general science teacher Mohd Saleem. Psychologists also weigh in on the matter, stressing the developmental aspects of play and independent work.
Dr Meenakshi Reddy, a child psychologist, emphasised the importance of play in a child's development. "Play is essential for cognitive, social, and emotional growth. When children are given age-appropriate tasks, they develop problem-solving skills and a sense of responsibility. When their work demands that parents do it all - it boils down to no learning, and parents growing tired about nothing," she explained.
Sharath Chandrashekar, a member of Hyderabad School Parents Association said that schools should provide clearer guidelines on homework expectations and promote a balanced approach where children are encouraged to work independently while receiving appropriate support from their parents. "We need to strike a balance where children are challenged but not overwhelmed. This will help them build confidence and learn effectively," he added.